The 2024 Paris Summer Olympics featured the historic debut of breaking, while other new disciplines like speed climbing, BMX freestyle and skateboarding made their returns to the Games after being introduced in Tokyo in 2021. Chinese athletes achieved a number of historic breakthroughs in these events in the French capital.
Deng Yawen, 18, claimed China's first-ever Olympic BMX freestyle gold medal in the women's park final at Paris 2024 on July 31.
"What I feel is pride. To be able to win this gold medal for China, and also make a little contribution to the sport," Deng said. "When facing difficulties and challenges and overcoming them, we can harvest the joy of success. As for why we are willing to keep training every day, I think every rider wants to win an Olympic medal for China. I want to tell you that BMX is not a scary sport. If you can accept and enjoy it, I believe it can bring you a different kind of fun."
Sport climbing is one of the four additional sports at the 2024 Summer Games. Deng Lijuan earned China's first Olympic medal in the discipline by coming in second in the women's speed event on Wednesday. She reached the line a new Asian record and personal best time of 6.18 seconds. Her compatriot Wu Peng added another silver in the men's speed final, with his time of 4.77 seconds also setting a personal best.
"I'm very happy to help China's sport climbing team win this medal," Wu said. "But I think I could have done better. There was a big crowd in Paris. There were much less fans at the World Cup or the domestic competitions. Actually I like the atmosphere at the Olympics with so many people watching. First, I'd like to thank my country, my team and the coaches for their support, without them I wouldn't be able to achieve the results here. And I'd like to thank all the fans who support us."
Liu Qingyi of China performs in the women's breaking bronze medal match at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, August 9, 2024. /CFP
Chinese breaker Liu Qingyi wrapped up the sport's historic Olympic debut with a bronze medal after outperforming India Sardjoe of the Netherlands 2-1 on Friday.
Cui Chenxi, 14, finished the women's skateboarding street final in fourth place on July 28 to achieve China's best result in the sport since it was introduced to the Games three years ago in Tokyo.